Worth Every Penny – Haute Cuisine Los Angeles

STRAND HOUSE
117 Manhattan Beach
Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA
90266
(310) 545-7470

AMBIANCE: This modern, multilevel venue is elegant, sexy and has killer views of the sea come sunset.

WHAT TO ORDER: Nosh on succulent lamb chops or indulge in the flavorful rabbit gnocchi.

WHO COMES HERE: From flipflops to Fendi, the Strand House’s patrons are an eclectic mix of foodies, celebrities and Manhattan Beach locals. On any given night you might just see one of the L.A. Kings, Cuba Gooding Jr., Sharon Stone or producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

SWEET TOOTH: Indulge your inner child with the glazed doughnuts; the fleur de sel and vanilla bean glazes are so good they simply can’t be missed.

SCARPETTA
225 North Canon Drive Los Angeles, CA
90210
(310) 860-7970

AMBIANCE: The al fresco dining perfectly compliments Scarpetta’s Mediterranean-inspired décor.

WHAT TO ORDER: Celebrity chef Scott Conant’s signature dishes include raw yellowtail with olio de zenzero and his famed spaghetti with tomato and basil.

WHO COMES HERE: You’ll find A-list VIPs at this haute spot, including Rihanna, Oprah Winfrey, Randy Jackson and Hilary Swank.

SWEET TOOTH: Indulge in the Vanilla Caramel Budino, an indulgent Italian pudding accompanied by a cup of chocolate cookies. Yum!

ANIMAL
435 North Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles 90036
(323) 782-9225

AMBIANCE: This minimalist spot is cool, clean and unfussy but its small tables and dim lighting add to an overall sensation of intimacy.

WHAT TO ORDER: The chicken liver toast and barbeque pork belly sandwiches are to die for.

WHO COMES HERE: Owners Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo have a diverse and immense following after appearing on The Food Network’s “Two Guys”. World-renowned DJ Paul Oakenfold has even tweeted about his experience here.

SWEET TOOTH: Try the tres leches or, as odd as it seems, the bacon chocolate crunch bar.

SOTTO
9575 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 277-0210

AMBIANCE: This modern Italian eatery is dark, cozy and elegant – and might just be the closest thing you’ll find to a true Neapolitan eatery in LA.

WHAT TO ORDER: The pizzas are as authentic as anything you’ll find in Naples; meat dishes like the grilled orata are also exceptionally flavorful as they’re cooked over a wood-burning grill.

WHO COMES HERE: Katy Perry and ex-husband Russell Brand have both been spotted at Zack Pollack and Steve Samson’s upscale pizzeria.

SWEET TOOTH: Indulge in the Sicilian cannoli or the sheep’s milk yogurt panna cotta.